Romania

Recommended Vaccinations For Romania

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) Vaccine

BCG vaccine is recommended for those at increased risk from coming in close contact with infected persons or for unvaccinated people, children under 16 years of age, who are going to live in the country for more than 3 months.

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine

Vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis is recommended if travelling in Tulcea county and Transylvania at the base of the Carpathian Mountains and the Transylvanian Alps or where contact with ticks might occur (camping, hiking, outdoor activities) during early spring to late autumn.

Recommended Medications For Romania

There are no recommendations for Romania at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Romania

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B

There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Romania.

Hepatitis A

There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Romania through contaminated food or water. Infection can still occur at tourist destinations and resorts.

For Some Travellers

Leishmaniasis

There is a risk of acquiring Leishmaniasis in this country through sand fly bites, particularly between dusk to dawn. Adventure tourists, outdoor athletes, or humanitarian aid workers are at a higher risk.

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.

Measles

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis occurs in Romania. Travellers to Romania are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.

Rabies

Rabies occurs in Romania. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.

Tick-Borne Encephalitis

There is a risk of Tick-Borne Encephalitis in some areas of this country. The areas presumed to be affected are Tulcea county and Transylvania at the base of the Carpathian Mountains and the Transylvanian Alps. The transmission season varies, however, ticks are most active during early spring to late autumn.

Safety & Security in Romania

Personal Safety

Romania maintains a relatively safe environment for visitors and business travelers. In 2023, the crime index reached 32, with 212 murders recorded across the country. Five major Romanian cities, including Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, Brasov, Bucharest, and Iasi, ranked among the top 100 safest cities worldwide in 2023. Violent crime is more common in rural areas than in cities due to socioeconomic challenges. Gun violence is exceptionally rare due to strict firearms laws. Most homicides involve sharp objects rather than firearms. Crimes against visitors typically involve pickpocketing, confidence tricks, and scams rather than violent confrontations. Organized groups operate in crowded areas such as train stations, subways, and public transportation, often using distraction techniques. Children and well-dressed young adults sometimes participate in these operations. Taxi scams occur at airports and train stations. Use ride-sharing apps like Uber or Bolt instead of unlicensed taxis. Some restaurants and bars have copied credit or debit cards. Fake police officers occasionally approach tourists asking for documents or money. Always request proper identification and contact 112 if you have concerns. Drink spiking has been reported in Bucharest’s Old Town. Human trafficking remains an issue, with 538 new cases investigated in 2023, including 427 sex trafficking and 75 labor trafficking cases. The tourism industry is generally regulated with safety inspections enforced. Medical facilities in Bucharest are adequate, but outside major cities, response times for first responders may be longer. Romania is in a seismically active region, and tremors occur regularly.

Extreme Violence

Romania has no recent history of terrorist attacks, though attacks cannot be ruled out. The country has not experienced attacks and is not a high-profile target. European security services have disrupted several planned attacks in Europe in recent years. The Romanian Intelligence Service coordinates the National System for Preventing and Combating Terrorism. Romania has concluded over 50 bilateral cooperation agreements with European and American states in counter-terrorism, fighting organized crime, and drug trafficking. In September 2024, a 17-year-old sent threatening messages to over 80 schools in Bucharest and 24 counties, leading to investigations under terrorism laws. The threat of carrying out acts of terrorism is punished with 2 to 7 years in prison. Romania maintains cooperation in counter-terrorism within NATO and EU frameworks. There is widespread military activity in neighboring Ukraine, but Romania has been part of NATO since 2005. Cybercrime has been on the rise, with malware distribution and ransomware attacks targeting government and private sector organizations. Organized crime groups operate in Romania due to its geographical position at the crossroads of major trade routes from Eurasia towards Western Europe. The country borders Ukraine and Moldova, both fragile states with high levels of organized crime. Routine security is present at airports and major public venues.

Political Unrest

Public demonstrations are common in Romania, particularly in Bucharest and other major cities. Marches and gatherings are mostly peaceful and well-policed, but demonstrations can attract violence. In December 2024, Romania’s Constitutional Court annulled the presidential election two days before the runoff, triggering protests. In January 2025, tens of thousands gathered in Bucharest demanding the court reverse its ruling, with protesters carrying banners reading Democracy and Give us back the second round. On March 1, 2025, tens of thousands converged in Bucharest for a major anti-government rally organized by far-right political groups. Some protests in March 2025 escalated into violence, with protesters throwing paving stones and other objects at riot police, overturning vehicles, and setting fires. Police used tear gas to disperse crowds. Between 2017 and 2019, large-scale protests occurred against proposed changes to anti-corruption laws. In August 2018, police used unprecedented violence against protesters, with 452 people injured and 70 hospitalized. In 2017, hundreds of thousands protested against ordinances that would have decriminalized certain corruption offenses, resulting in the largest demonstrations since 1989. Protests in 2012 and 2015 addressed health reform, austerity measures, and political instability. Most protests focus on anti-corruption measures, government policies, or electoral controversies. Demonstrations can disrupt services, traffic, and public transportation. Monitor local media and follow instructions from local authorities during protests.

Areas To Avoid

The Ferentari neighborhood in Bucharest has a higher frequency of crime and should be avoided. Rural areas in general experience more violent crime than cities due to poverty, low education levels, and unemployment. The Nord-Est development region is one of the poorest areas of the EU. Mountains pose dangers due to wildlife, including bears, wolves, and lynxes. Bears are present in forested and mountainous regions, particularly in the Carpathians. Romania has one of the largest brown bear populations in Europe. Vipers are found in the Carpathians and Danube Delta, with horned viper, common viper, and steppe viper being most dangerous. Their venom is particularly dangerous in spring after hibernation. If bitten, seek immediate medical help for anti-venom treatment. Mountainous areas can be subject to torrential rains and flash floods, especially in spring and summer. Do not hike alone in the mountains. Many accidents can happen even with the well-regarded Salvamont rescue system. Stray dogs can be encountered on streets, and contact should be avoided due to rabies risk. The Danube Delta has mosquitoes and ticks that can spread diseases including tick-borne encephalitis. Bring insect repellent. During summer, food poisoning can be a problem in Black Sea resorts due to improper storage or cooking. Choose restaurants with good reviews. Border areas with Ukraine should be monitored due to the ongoing conflict, though Romania is protected by NATO membership.